Meet Chelsie Butler | Magazine Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsie Butler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I started writing at the young age of nine when I was living in Nigeria with my mom. I loved to write short mystery stories and poems. When it came time to choose my major in college, someone who knew me well said I should be a journalist. I am proud to have been using my degree throughout my whole career.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Although I love to write, it doesn’t always come easy to me. I procrastinate just like everyone else when it comes time for me to write a longer article, but when it has to do with a description or an abstract, I like to hammer those out right away while the ideas are still fresh. I have been working in journalism for about 28 years now, and I still learn something new all the time. I have had a ton of support along the way, and there have been plenty of coworkers and mentors who have helped me get to where I am today. Some of the challenges I have overcome along the way come in the form of a job loss when a magazine or company folded. Instead of falling apart (after the first week or so, I am only human), I picked myself up and started all over again. I have perseverance, and I am able to take on hard challenges with grace under fire. I have learned to take criticism better than I have been able to in the past, using it as a tool to constantly improve in my personal and professional life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a daytime outdoor adventure, I would take them to Noah’s Ark, a sanctuary for exotic animals. Then we would go to nearby Serenbe, a bucolic neighborhood with beautiful homes, a wonderful bed and breakfast with a fantastic restaurant where we could have lunch, and then we would peruse the shops that line the streets. Getting into the evening, we would go to Truck & Tap in downtown Alpharetta for a brew or glass of wine and then to the Rumi’s Kitchen at the Avalon to people watch and share some kebabs. We would finish it off by seeing the latest motion picture at the Movie Tavern in Roswell.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom and dad chose careers they loved, and they were happy to get up each day and go to work. Growing up, I thought I wanted to be involved in a variety of different professions, but I have found something I love to do and get paid for it! The person in my first answer was my former stepmom, and she was the one who told me I should be a journalist – that writing was what I loved and what I was good at. I’d also like to thank my mentor and friend, Doug, who has known me throughout my entire career and has believed in me all the way.

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